History, analysis, and unabashed gossip about the start of the American Revolution in Massachusetts.

J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A recording of the “A Knock at the Door: Three Centuries of Governmental Search and Seizure” panel discussion at the Old State House in Boston in November is now available for viewing through the WGBH Forum Network.

I’m posting a screen grab from that website last night, showing its most recent 18th-century history lectures. After all, it may be a long time before I again see myself featured side by side with Gordon S. Wood.

I don’t actually deserve top billing on this video, but there was a delay in setting up, so Frederick Lane’s introduction didn’t get recorded. He comes on after me, and you’ll see that he moderated the event as author of American Privacy.